Court Clears Way For Inquest Into Death Of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to stop a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege.
Justice Aishat Opesanwo struck out the suit on Monday, clearing the way for the coroner’s court to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
The hospital had asked the High Court to quash the inquest. It argued that the cremation of the child’s body made a post-mortem examination impossible and deprived the coroner of jurisdiction. Euracare also challenged an order directing its medical staff to present evidence first.
However, Justice Opesanwo explained that a coroner’s court conducts a fact-finding inquiry rather than a criminal trial in which the burden of proof is assigned. She further held that the absence or cremation of a body does not automatically remove the coroner’s statutory authority to investigate a death under the Lagos State Coroners System Law.
Nkanu died on 7 January 2026, following medical procedures at the hospital. His family subsequently alleged breaches of the duty of care, while Euracare maintains that it provided treatment in accordance with standard medical guidelines.
Following the High Court’s decision, the coroner’s inquest at the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba is expected to resume. The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
